Political structure

Official name

Sultanate of Oman

Form of state

Monarchy

Legislature

There is no national legislature, but the Council of Oman debates policy and was given some legislative powers in October 2011. It comprises the 85-member Majlis al-Shura (Consultative Council) and the Majlis al-Dawla (State Council), whose members were appointed in November 2007

Elections

The Majlis al-Shura was elected by universal suffrage in October 2015

Head of state

Qaboos bin Said al-Said assumed power in July 1970

Executive

The sultan rules by decree, assisted by the Council of Ministers (cabinet). The most recent cabinet reshuffle was in March 2011